1. Introduction to Data Structures
Data Structure is a way of collecting and organising data in such a way that we can perform
operations on these data in an effective way. Data Structures is about rendering data elements in
terms of some relationship, for better organization and storage. For example, we have data
player's name "Virat" and age 26. Here "Virat" is of String data type and 26 is of integer data
type.
We can organize this data as a record like Player record. Now we can collect and store player's
records in a file or database as a data structure. For example: "Dhoni" 30, "Gambhir" 31,
"Sehwag" 33
In simple language, Data Structures are structures programmed to store ordered data, so that
various operations can be performed on it easily.
Basic types of Data Structures
As we discussed above, anything that can store data can be called as a data strucure, hence
Integer, Float, Boolean, Char etc, all are data structures. They are known as Primitive Data
Structures.
Then we also have some complex Data Structures, which are used to store large and connected
data. Some example of Abstract Data Structure are :
Linked List
Tree
Graph
Stack, Queue etc.
All these data structures allow us to perform different operations on data. We select these data
structures based on which type of operation is required. We will look into these data structures in
more details in our later lessons.
2. What is Algorithm ?
An algorithm is a finite set of instructions or logic, written in order, to accomplish a certain
predefined task. Algorithm is not the complete code or program, it is just the core logic(solution)
of a problem, which can be expressed either as an informal high level description as pseudocode
or using a flowchart.
An algorithm is said to be efficient and fast, if it takes less time to execute and consumes less
memory space. The performance of an algorithm is measured on the basis of following
properties :
1. Time Complexity
2. Space Complexity
Space Complexity
Its the amount of memory space required by the algorithm, during the course of its execution.
Space complexity must be taken seriously for multi-user systems and in situations where limited
memory is available.
An algorithm generally requires space for following components :
Instruction Space : Its the space required to store the executable version of the program.
This space is fixed, but varies depending upon the number of lines of code in the
program.
Data Space : Its the space required to store all the constants and variables value.
Environment Space : Its the space required to store the environment information needed
to resume the suspended function.
3. Time Complexity
Time Complexity is a way to represent the amount of time needed by the program to run to
completion. We will study this in details in our section.
NOTE: Before going deep into data structure, you should have a good knowledge of
programming either in C or in C++ or Java.
Time Complexity of Algorithms
Time complexity of an algorithm signifies the total time required by the program to run to
completion. The time complexity of algorithms is most commonly expressed using the big O
notation.
Time Complexity is most commonly estimated by counting the number of elementary functions
performed by the algorithm. And since the algorithm's performance may vary with different
types of input data, hence for an algorithm we usually use the worst-case Time complexity of
an algorithm because that is the maximum time taken for any input size.
Calculating Time Complexity
Now lets tap onto the next big topic related to Time complexity, which is How to Calculate Time
Complexity. It becomes very confusing some times, but we will try to explain it in the simplest
way.
Now the most common metric for calculating time complexity is Big O notation. This removes
all constant factors so that the running time can be estimated in relation to N, as N approaches
infinity. In general you can think of it like this :
statement;
Above we have a single statement. Its Time Complexity will be Constant. The running time of
the statement will not change in relation to N.
for(i=0; i < N; i++)
{
statement;
}
The time complexity for the above algorithm will be Linear. The running time of the loop is
directly proportional to N. When N doubles, so does the running time.
for(i=0; i < N; i++)
{
for(j=0; j < N;j++)
{
statement;
}
}
4. This time, the time complexity for the above code will be Quadratic. The running time of the
two loops is proportional to the square of N. When N doubles, the running time increases by N *
N.
while(low <= high)
{
mid = (low + high) / 2;
if (target < list[mid])
high = mid - 1;
else if (target > list[mid])
low = mid + 1;
else break;
}
This is an algorithm to break a set of numbers into halves, to search a particular field(we will
study this in detail later). Now, this algorithm will have a Logarithmic Time Complexity. The
running time of the algorithm is proportional to the number of times N can be divided by 2(N is
high-low here). This is because the algorithm divides the working area in half with each
iteration.
void quicksort(int list[], int left, int right)
{
int pivot = partition(list, left, right);
quicksort(list, left, pivot - 1);
quicksort(list, pivot + 1, right);
}
Taking the previous algorithm forward, above we have a small logic of Quick Sort(we will study
this in detail later). Now in Quick Sort, we divide the list into halves every time, but we repeat
the iteration N times(where N is the size of list). Hence time complexity will be N*log( N ). The
running time consists of N loops (iterative or recursive) that are logarithmic, thus the algorithm is
a combination of linear and logarithmic.
NOTE : In general, doing something with every item in one dimension is linear, doing
something with every item in two dimensions is quadratic, and dividing the working area in half
is logarithmic.
Types of Notations for Time Complexity
Now we will discuss and understand the various notations used for Time Complexity.
1. Big Oh denotes "fewer than or the same as" <expression> iterations.
2. Big Omega denotes "more than or the same as" <expression> iterations.
3. Big Theta denotes "the same as" <expression> iterations.
4. Little Oh denotes "fewer than" <expression> iterations.
5. Little Omega denotes "more than" <expression> iterations.
Understanding Notations of Time Complexity with Example
O(expression) is the set of functions that grow slower than or at the same rate as expression.
5. Omega(expression) is the set of functions that grow faster than or at the same rate as expression.
Theta(expression) consist of all the functions that lie in both O(expression) and
Omega(expression).
Suppose you've calculated that an algorithm takes f(n) operations, where,
f(n) = 3*n^2 + 2*n + 4. // n^2 means square of n
Since this polynomial grows at the same rate as n^2, then you could say that the function f lies in
the set Theta(n^2). (It also lies in the sets O(n^2) and Omega(n^2) for the same reason.)
The simplest explanation is, because Theta denotes the same as the expression. Hence, as f(n)
grows by a factor of n^2, the time complexity can be best represented as Theta(n^2).
Introduction to Sorting
Sorting is nothing but storage of data in sorted order, it can be in ascending or descending order.
The term Sorting comes into picture with the term Searching. There are so many things in our
real life that we need to search, like a particular record in database, roll numbers in merit list, a
particular telephone number, any particular page in a book etc.
Sorting arranges data in a sequence which makes searching easier. Every record which is going
to be sorted will contain one key. Based on the key the record will be sorted. For example,
suppose we have a record of students, every such record will have the following data:
Roll No.
Name
Age
Class
Here Student roll no. can be taken as key for sorting the records in ascending or descending
order. Now suppose we have to search a Student with roll no. 15, we don't need to search the
complete record we will simply search between the Students with roll no. 10 to 20.
Sorting Efficiency
There are many techniques for sorting. Implementation of particular sorting technique depends
upon situation. Sorting techniques mainly depends on two parameters. First parameter is the
execution time of program, which means time taken for execution of program. Second is the
space, which means space taken by the program.
Types of Sorting Techniques
There are many types of Sorting techniques, differentiated by their efficiency and space
requirements. Following are some sorting techniques which we will be covering in next sections.
1. Bubble Sort
2. Insertion Sort
6. 3. Selection Sort
4. Quick Sort
5. Merge Sort
6. Heap Sort
7. Bubble Sorting
8. Bubble Sort is an algorithm which is used to sort N elements that are given in a memory
for eg: an Array with N number of elements. Bubble Sort compares all the element one
by one and sort them based on their values.
9. It is called Bubble sort, because with each iteration the smaller element in the list bubbles
up towards the first place, just like a water bubble rises up to the water surface.
10. Sorting takes place by stepping through all the data items one-by-one in pairs and
comparing adjacent data items and swapping each pair that is out of order.
Sorting using Bubble Sort Algorithm
Let's consider an array with values {5, 1, 6, 2, 4, 3}
int a[6] = {5, 1, 6, 2, 4, 3};
int i, j, temp;
for(i=0; i<6, i++)
{
for(j=0; j<6-i-1; j++)
{
if( a[j] > a[j+1])
{
temp = a[j];
a[j] = a[j+1];
a[j+1] = temp;
}
}
}
//now you can print the sorted array after this
Above is the algorithm, to sort an array using Bubble Sort. Although the above logic will
sort and unsorted array, still the above algorithm isn't efficient and can be enhanced
further. Because as per the above logic, the for loop will keep going for six iterations
even if the array gets sorted after the second iteration.
Hence we can insert a flag and can keep checking whether swapping of elements is
taking place or not. If no swapping is taking place that means the array is sorted and wew
can jump out of the for loop.
int a[6] = {5, 1, 6, 2, 4, 3};
int i, j, temp;
for(i=0; i<6, i++)
{
7. for(j=0; j<6-i-1; j++)
{
int flag = 0; //taking a flag variable
if( a[j] > a[j+1])
{
temp = a[j];
a[j] = a[j+1];
a[j+1] = temp;
flag = 1; //setting flag as 1, if swapping occurs
}
}
if(!flag) //breaking out of for loop if no swapping takes
place
{
break;
}
}
In the above code, if in a complete single cycle of j iteration(inner for loop), no swapping
takes place, and flag remains 0, then we will break out of the for loops, because the array has
already been sorted.
Complexity Analysis of Bubble Sorting
In Bubble Sort, n-1 comparisons will be done in 1st pass, n-2 in 2nd pass, n-3 in 3rd pass
and so on. So the total number of comparisons will be
(n-1)+(n-2)+(n-3)+.....+3+2+1
Sum = n(n-1)/2
i.e O(n2)
Hence the complexity of Bubble Sort is O(n2).
The main advantage of Bubble Sort is the simplicity of the algorithm.Space complexity
for Bubble Sort is O(1), because only single additional memory space is required for
temp variable
Best-case Time Complexity will be O(n), it is when the list is already sorted.
Insertion Sorting
It is a simple Sorting algorithm which sorts the array by shifting elements one by one. Following
are some of the important characteristics of Insertion Sort.
1. It has one of the simplest implementation
2. It is efficient for smaller data sets, but very inefficient for larger lists.
3. Insertion Sort is adaptive, that means it reduces its total number of steps if given a
partially sorted list, hence it increases its efficiency.
4. It is better than Selection Sort and Bubble Sort algorithms.
5. Its space complexity is less, like Bubble Sorting, inerstion sort also requires a single
additional memory space.
6. It is Stable, as it does not change the relative order of elements with equal keys
8. How Insertion Sorting Works
Sorting using Insertion Sort Algorithm
int a[6] = {5, 1, 6, 2, 4, 3};
int i, j, key;
for(i=1; i<6; i++)
{
key = a[i];
j = i-1;
while(j>=0 && key < a[j])
{
a[j+1] = a[j];
j--;
}
a[j+1] = key;
}
9. Now lets, understand the above simple insertion sort algorithm. We took an array with 6 integers.
We took a variable key, in which we put each element of the array, in each pass, starting from
the second element, that is a[1].
Then using the while loop, we iterate, until j becomes equal to zero or we find an element which
is greater than key, and then we insert the key at that position.
In the above array, first we pick 1 as key, we compare it with 5(element before 1), 1 is smaller
than 5, we shift 1 before 5. Then we pick 6, and compare it with 5 and 1, no shifting this time.
Then 2 becomes the key and is compared with, 6 and 5, and then 2 is placed after 1. And this
goes on, until complete array gets sorted.
Complexity Analysis of Insertion Sorting
Worst Case Time Complexity : O(n2)
Best Case Time Complexity : O(n)
Average Time Complexity : O(n2)
Space Complexity : O(1)
Selection Sorting
Selection sorting is conceptually the most simplest sorting algorithm. This algorithm first finds
the smallest element in the array and exchanges it with the element in the first position, then find
the second smallest element and exchange it with the element in the second position, and
continues in this way until the entire array is sorted.
How Selection Sorting Works
In the first pass, the smallest element found is 1, so it is placed at the first position, then leaving
first element, smallest element is searched from the rest of the elements, 3 is the smallest, so it is
10. then placed at the second position. Then we leave 1 nad 3, from the rest of the elements, we
search for the smallest and put it at third position and keep doing this, until array is sorted.
Sorting using Selection Sort Algorithm
void selectionSort(int a[], int size)
{
int i, j, min, temp;
for(i=0; i < size-1; i++ )
{
min = i; //setting min as i
for(j=i+1; j < size; j++)
{
if(a[j] < a[min]) //if element at j is less than element at min
position
{
min = j; //then set min as j
}
}
temp = a[i];
a[i] = a[min];
a[min] = temp;
}
}
Complexity Analysis of Selection Sorting
Worst Case Time Complexity : O(n2)
Best Case Time Complexity : O(n2)
Average Time Complexity : O(n2)
Space Complexity : O(1)
Quick Sort Algorithm
Quick Sort, as the name suggests, sorts any list very quickly. Quick sort is not stable search, but
it is very fast and requires very less aditional space. It is based on the rule of Divide and
Conquer(also called partition-exchange sort). This algorithm divides the list into three main
parts :
1. Elements less than the Pivot element
2. Pivot element
3. Elements greater than the pivot element
In the list of elements, mentioned in below example, we have taken 25 as pivot. So after the first
pass, the list will be changed like this.
6 8 17 14 25 63 37 52
Hnece after the first pass, pivot will be set at its position, with all the elements smaller to it on its
left and all the elements larger than it on the right. Now 6 8 17 14 and 63 37 52 are considered
11. as two separate lists, and same logic is applied on them, and we keep doing this until the
complete list is sorted.
How Quick Sorting Works
Sorting using Quick Sort Algorithm
/* a[] is the array, p is starting index, that is 0,
and r is the last index of array. */
void quicksort(int a[], int p, int r)
{
if(p < r)
{
int q;
q = partition(a, p, r);
quicksort(a, p, q);
quicksort(a, q+1, r);
}
}
int partition(int a[], int p, int r)
{
int i, j, pivot, temp;
pivot = a[p];
i = p;
j = r;
while(1)
{
while(a[i] < pivot && a[i] != pivot)
i++;
while(a[j] > pivot && a[j] != pivot)
j--;
if(i < j)
{
12. temp = a[i];
a[i] = a[j];
a[j] = temp;
}
else
{
return j;
}
}
}
Complexity Analysis of Quick Sort
Worst Case Time Complexity : O(n2)
Best Case Time Complexity : O(n log n)
Average Time Complexity : O(n log n)
Space Complexity : O(n log n)
Space required by quick sort is very less, only O(n log n) additional space is required.
Quick sort is not a stable sorting technique, so it might change the occurence of two
similar elements in the list while sorting.
Merge Sort Algorithm
Merge Sort follows the rule of Divide and Conquer. But it doesn't divides the list into two
halves. In merge sort the unsorted list is divided into N sublists, each having one element,
because a list of one element is considered sorted. Then, it repeatedly merge these sublists, to
produce new sorted sublists, and at lasts one sorted list is produced.
Merge Sort is quite fast, and has a time complexity of O(n log n). It is also a stable sort, which
means the "equal" elements are ordered in the same order in the sorted list.
How Merge Sort Works
13. Like we can see in the above example, merge sort first breaks the unsorted list into sorted
sublists, and then keep merging these sublists, to finlly get the complete sorted list.
Sorting using Merge Sort Algorithm
/* a[] is the array, p is starting index, that is 0,
and r is the last index of array. */
Lets take a[5] = {32, 45, 67, 2, 7} as the array to be sorted.
void mergesort(int a[], int p, int r)
{
int q;
if(p < r)
{
q = floor( (p+r) / 2);
mergesort(a, p, q);
mergesort(a, q+1, r);
merge(a, p, q, r);
}
}
void merge(int a[], int p, int q, int r)
{
int b[5]; //same size of a[]
int i, j, k;
k = 0;
i = p;
j = q+1;
while(i <= q && j <= r)
{
if(a[i] < a[j])
{
14. b[k++] = a[i++]; // same as b[k]=a[i]; k++; i++;
}
else
{
b[k++] = a[j++];
}
}
while(i <= q)
{
b[k++] = a[i++];
}
while(j <= r)
{
b[k++] = a[j++];
}
for(i=r; i >= p; i--)
{
a[i] = b[--k]; // copying back the sorted list to a[]
}
}
Complexity Analysis of Merge Sort
Worst Case Time Complexity : O(n log n)
Best Case Time Complexity : O(n log n)
Average Time Complexity : O(n log n)
Space Complexity : O(n)
Time complexity of Merge Sort is O(n Log n) in all 3 cases (worst, average and best) as
merge sort always divides the array in two halves and take linear time to merge two
halves.
It requires equal amount of additional space as the unsorted list. Hence its not at all
recommended for searching large unsorted lists.
It is the best Sorting technique for sorting Linked Lists.
Heap Sort Algorithm
Heap Sort is one of the best sorting methods being in-place and with no quadratic worst-case
scenarios. Heap sort algorithm is divided into two basic parts :
Creating a Heap of the unsorted list.
Then a sorted array is created by repeatedly removing the largest/smallest element from
the heap, and inserting it into the array. The heap is reconstructed after each removal.
What is a Heap ?
Heap is a special tree-based data structure, that satisfies the following special heap properties :
15. 1. Shape Property : Heap data structure is always a Complete Binary Tree, which means
all levels of the tree are fully filled.
2. Heap Property : All nodes are either [greater than or equal to] or [less than or equal to]
each of its children. If the parent nodes are greater than their children, heap is called a
Max-Heap, and if the parent nodes are smalled than their child nodes, heap is called
Min-Heap.
How Heap Sort Works
Initially on receiving an unsorted list, the first step in heap sort is to create a Heap data
structure(Max-Heap or Min-Heap). Once heap is built, the first element of the Heap is either
largest or smallest(depending upon Max-Heap or Min-Heap), so we put the first element of the
heap in our array. Then we again make heap using the remaining elements, to again pick the first
element of the heap and put it into the array. We keep on doing the same repeatedly untill we
have the complete sorted list in our array.
16. In the below algorithm, initially heapsort() function is called, which calls buildheap() to build
heap, which inturn uses satisfyheap() to build the heap.
Sorting using Heap Sort Algorithm
/* Below program is written in C++ language */
void heapsort(int[], int);
void buildheap(int [], int);
void satisfyheap(int [], int, int);
void main()
{
int a[10], i, size;
cout << "Enter size of list"; // less than 10, because max size of array
is 10
cin >> size;
cout << "Enter" << size << "elements";
for( i=0; i < size; i++)
{
cin >> a[i];
}
heapsort(a, size);
getch();
}
void heapsort(int a[], int length)
{
buildheap(a, length);
int heapsize, i, temp;
heapsize = length - 1;
for( i=heapsize; i >= 0; i--)
{
temp = a[0];
a[0] = a[heapsize];
a[heapsize] = temp;
heapsize--;
satisfyheap(a, 0, heapsize);
}
for( i=0; i < length; i++)
{
cout << "t" << a[i];
}
}
void buildheap(int a[], int length)
{
int i, heapsize;
heapsize = length - 1;
for( i=(length/2); i >= 0; i--)
{
satisfyheap(a, i, heapsize);
}
}
void satisfyheap(int a[], int i, int heapsize)
{
int l, r, largest, temp;
l = 2*i;
r = 2*i + 1;
if(l <= heapsize && a[l] > a[i])
17. {
largest = l;
}
else
{
largest = i;
}
if( r <= heapsize && a[r] > a[largest])
{
largest = r;
}
if(largest != i)
{
temp = a[i];
a[i] = a[largest];
a[largest] = temp;
satisfyheap(a, largest, heapsize);
}
}
Complexity Analysis of Heap Sort
Worst Case Time Complexity : O(n log n)
Best Case Time Complexity : O(n log n)
Average Time Complexity : O(n log n)
Space Complexity : O(n)
Heap sort is not a Stable sort, and requires a constant space for sorting a list.
Heap Sort is very fast and is widely used for sorting.
Searching Algorithms on Array
Before studying searching algorithms on array we should know what is an algorithm?
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or method for solving a problem by a computer
in a given number of steps. The steps of an algorithm may include repetition depending
upon the problem for which the algorithm is being developed. The algorithm is written in
human readable and understandable form. To search an element in a given array, it can be
done in two ways Linear search and Binary search.
Linear Search
A linear search is the basic and simple search algorithm. A linear search searches an
element or value from an array till the desired element or value is not found and it
searches in a sequence order. It compares the element with all the other elements given in
the list and if the element is matched it returns the value index else it return -1. Linear
Search is applied on the unsorted or unordered list when there are fewer elements in a
list.
Example with Implementation
To search the element 5 it will go step by step in a sequence order.
18.
function findIndex(values, target)
{
for(var i = 0; i < values.length; ++i)
{
if (values[i] == target)
{
return i;
}
}
return -1;
}
//call the function findIndex with array and number to be searched
findIndex([ 8 , 2 , 6 , 3 , 5 ] , 5) ;
Binary Search
Binary Search is applied on the sorted array or list. In binary search, we first compare the
value with the elements in the middle position of the array. If the value is matched, then
we return the value. If the value is less than the middle element, then it must lie in the
lower half of the array and if it's greater than the element then it must lie in the upper half
of the array. We repeat this procedure on the lower (or upper) half of the array. Binary
Search is useful when there are large numbers of elements in an array.
Example with Implementation
To search an element 13 from the sorted array or list.
function findIndex(values, target)
{
return binarySearch(values, target, 0, values.length - 1);
};
19. function binarySearch(values, target, start, end) {
if (start > end) { return -1; } //does not exist
var middle = Math.floor((start + end) / 2);
var value = values[middle];
if (value > target) { return binarySearch(values, target, start,
middle-1); }
if (value < target) { return binarySearch(values, target, middle+1,
end); }
return middle; //found!
}
findIndex([2, 4, 7, 9, 13, 15], 13);
In the above program logic, we are first comparing the middle number of the list, with the
target, if it matches we return. If it doesn't, we see whether the middle number is greater
than or smaller than the target.
If the Middle number is greater than the Target, we start the binary search again, but this
time on the left half of the list, that is from the start of the list to the middle, not beyond
that.
If the Middle number is smaller than the Target, we start the binary search again, but on
the right half of the list, that is from the middle of the list to the end of the list
Stacks
Stack is an abstract data type with a bounded(predefined) capacity. It is a simple data structure
that allows adding and removing elements in a particular order. Every time an element is added,
it goes on the top of the stack, the only element that can be removed is the element that was at
the top of the stack, just like a pile of objects.
Basic features of Stack
1. Stack is an ordered list of similar data type.
2. Stack is a LIFO structure. (Last in First out).
3. push() function is used to insert new elements into the Stack and pop() is used to delete
an element from the stack. Both insertion and deletion are allowed at only one end of
Stack called Top.
20. 4. Stack is said to be in Overflow state when it is completely full and is said to be in
Underflow state if it is completely empty.
Applications of Stack
The simplest application of a stack is to reverse a word. You push a given word to stack - letter
by letter - and then pop letters from the stack.
There are other uses also like : Parsing, Expression Conversion(Infix to Postfix, Postfix to
Prefix etc) and many more.
Implementation of Stack
Stack can be easily implemented using an Array or a Linked List. Arrays are quick, but are
limited in size and Linked List requires overhead to allocate, link, unlink, and deallocate, but is
not limited in size. Here we will implement Stack using array.
/* Below program is written in C++ language */
Class Stack
{
int top;
public:
int a[10]; //Maximum size of Stack
Stack()
{
top = -1;
}
};
void Stack::push(int x)
{
if( top >= 10)
{
cout << "Stack Overflow";
21. }
else
{
a[++top] = x;
cout << "Element Inserted";
}
}
int Stack::pop()
{
if(top < 0)
{
cout << "Stack Underflow";
return 0;
}
else
{
int d = a[--top];
return d;
}
}
void Stack::isEmpty()
{
if(top < 0)
{
cout << "Stack is empty";
}
else
{
cout << "Stack is not empty";
}
}
Position of Top Status of Stack
-1 Stack is Empty
0 Only one element in Stack
N-1 Stack is Full
N Overflow state of Stack
Analysis of Stacks
Below mentioned are the time complexities for various operations that can be performed on the
Stack data structure.
Push Operation : O(1)
Pop Operation : O(1)
Top Operation : O(1)
Search Operation : O(n)
Queue Data Structures
Queue is also an abstract data type or a linear data structure, in which the first element is inserted
from one end called REAR(also called tail), and the deletion of exisiting element takes place
from the other end called as FRONT(also called head). This makes queue as FIFO data
structure, which means that element inserted first will also be removed first.
22. The process to add an element into queue is called Enqueue and the process of removal of an
element from queue is called Dequeue.
Basic features of Queue
1. Like Stack, Queue is also an ordered list of elements of similar data types.
2. Queue is a FIFO( First in First Out ) structure.
3. Once a new element is inserted into the Queue, all the elements inserted before the new
element in the queue must be removed, to remove the new element.
4. peek( ) function is oftenly used to return the value of first element without dequeuing it.
Applications of Queue
Queue, as the name suggests is used whenever we need to have any group of objects in an order
in which the first one coming in, also gets out first while the others wait for there turn, like in the
following scenarios :
1. Serving requests on a single shared resource, like a printer, CPU task scheduling etc.
2. In real life, Call Center phone systems will use Queues, to hold people calling them in an
order, until a service representative is free.
3. Handling of interrupts in real-time systems. The interrupts are handled in the same order
as they arrive, First come first served.
Implementation of Queue
Queue can be implemented using an Array, Stack or Linked List. The easiest way of
implementing a queue is by using an Array. Initially the head(FRONT) and the tail(REAR) of
the queue points at the first index of the array (starting the index of array from 0). As we add
elements to the queue, the tail keeps on moving ahead, always pointing to the position where the
next element will be inserted, while the head remains at the first index.
23. When we remove element from Queue, we can follow two possible approaches (mentioned [A]
and [B] in above diagram). In [A] approach, we remove the element at head position, and then
one by one move all the other elements on position forward. In approach [B] we remove the
element from head position and then move head to the next position.
In approach [A] there is an overhead of shifting the elements one position forward every time we
remove the first element. In approach [B] there is no such overhead, but whener we move head
one position ahead, after removal of first element, the size on Queue is reduced by one space
each time.
/* Below program is wtitten in C++ language */
#define SIZE 100
class Queue
{
int a[100];
int rear; //same as tail
int front; //same as head
public:
Queue()
{
rear = front = -1;
}
void enqueue(int x); //declaring enqueue, dequeue and display functions
24. int dequeue();
void display();
}
void Queue :: enqueue(int x)
{
if( rear = SIZE-1)
{
cout << "Queue is full";
}
else
{
a[++rear] = x;
}
}
int queue :: dequeue()
{
return a[++front]; //following approach [B], explained above
}
void queue :: display()
{
int i;
for( i = front; i <= rear; i++)
{
cout << a[i];
}
}
To implement approach [A], you simply need to change the dequeue method, and include a for
loop which will shift all the remaining elements one position.
return a[0]; //returning first element
for (i = 0; i < tail-1; i++) //shifting all other elements
{
a[i]= a[i+1];
tail--;
}
Analysis of Queue
Enqueue : O(1)
Dequeue : O(1)
Size : O(1)
Queue Data Structure using Stack
A Queue is defined by its property of FIFO, which means First in First Out, i.e the
element which is added first is taken out first. Hence we can implement a Queue using
Stack for storage instead of array.
For performing enqueue we require only one stack as we can directly push data into
stack, but to perform dequeue we will require two Stacks, because we need to follow
queue's FIFO property and if we directly pop any data element out of Stack, it will follow
LIFO approach(Last in First Out).
Implementation of Queue using Stacks
In all we will require two Stacks, we will call them InStack and OutStack.
class Queue {
public:
25. Stack S1, S2;
//defining methods
void enqueue(int x);
int dequeue();
}
We know that, Stack is a data structure, in which data can be added using push() method
and data can be deleted using pop() method. To learn about Stack, follow the link : Stack
Data Structure
Adding Data to Queue
As our Queue has Stack for data storage in place of arrays, hence we will be adding data
to Stack, which can be done using the push() method, hence :
void Queue :: enqueue(int x) {
S1.push(x);
}
Removing Data from Queue
When we say remove data from Queue, it always means taking out the First element first
and so on, as we have to follow the FIFO approach. But if we simply perform S1.pop()
in our dequeue method, then it will remove the Last element first. So what to do now?
26.
int Queue :: dequeue() {
while(S1.isEmpty()) {
x = S1.pop();
S2.push();
}
//removing the element
x = S2.pop();
while(!S2.isEmpty()) {
x = S2.pop();
S1.push(x);
}
return x;
}
Introduction to Linked Lists
27. Linked List is a linear data structure and it is very common data structure which consists of
group of nodes in a sequence which is divided in two parts. Each node consists of its own data
and the address of the next node and forms a chain. Linked Lists are used to create trees and
graphs.
Advantages of Linked Lists
They are a dynamic in nature which allocates the memory when required.
Insertion and deletion operations can be easily implemented.
Stacks and queues can be easily executed.
Linked List reduces the access time.
Disadvantages of Linked Lists
The memory is wasted as pointers require extra memory for storage.
No element can be accessed randomly; it has to access each node sequentially.
Reverse Traversing is difficult in linked list.
Applications of Linked Lists
Linked lists are used to implement stacks, queues, graphs, etc.
Linked lists let you insert elements at the beginning and end of the list.
In Linked Lists we don’t need to know the size in advance.
Types of Linked Lists
Singly Linked List : Singly linked lists contain nodes which have a data part as well as
an address part i.e. next, which points to the next node in sequence of nodes. The
operations we can perform on singly linked lists are insertion, deletion and traversal.
28. Doubly Linked List : In a doubly linked list, each node contains two links the first link
points to the previous node and the next link points to the next node in the sequence.
Circular Linked List : In the circular linked list the last node of the list contains the
address of the first node and forms a circular chain.
Linear Linked List
The element can be inserted in linked list in 2 ways :
Insertion at beginning of the list.
Insertion at the end of the list.
We will also be adding some more useful methods like :
Checking whether Linked List is empty or not.
Searching any element in the Linked List
Deleting a particular Node from the List
Before inserting the node in the list we will create a class Node. Like shown below :
class Node {
public:
int data;
29. //pointer to the next node
node* next;
node() {
data = 0;
next = NULL;
}
node(int x) {
data = x;
next = NULL;
}
}
We can also make the properties data and next as private, in that case we will need to add the
getter and setter methods to access them. You can add the getters and setter like this :
int getData() {
return data;
}
void setData(int x) {
this.data = x;
}
node* getNext() {
return next;
}
void setNext(node *n) {
this.next = n;
}
Node class basically creates a node for the data which you enter to be included into Linked List.
Once the node is created, we use various functions to fit in that node into the Linked List.
Linked List class
As we are following the complete OOPS methodology, hence we will create a separate class for
Linked List, which will have all its methods. Following will be the Linked List class :
class LinkedList {
public:
node *head;
//declaring the functions
//function to add Node at front
int addAtFront(node *n);
//function to check whether Linked list is empty
int isEmpty();
//function to add Node at the End of list
int addAtEnd(node *n);
//function to search a value
node* search(int k);
//function to delete any Node
node* deleteNode(int x);
LinkedList() {
head = NULL;
}
30. }
Insertion at the Beginning
Steps to insert a Node at beginning :
1. The first Node is the Head for any Linked List.
2. When a new Linked List is instantiated, it just has the Head, which is Null.
3. Else, the Head holds the pointer to the first Node of the List.
4. When we want to add any Node at the front, we must make the head point to it.
5. And the Next pointer of the newly added Node, must point to the previous Head, whether
it be NULL(in case of new List) or the pointer to the first Node of the List.
6. The previous Head Node is now the second Node of Linked List, because the new Node
is added at the front.
int LinkedList :: addAtFront(node *n) {
int i = 0;
//making the next of the new Node point to Head
n->next = head;
//making the new Node as Head
head = n;
i++;
//returning the position where Node is added
return i;
}
Inserting at the End
Steps to insert a Node at the end :
1. If the Linked List is empty then we simply, add the new Node as the Head of the Linked
List.
2. If the Linked List is not empty then we find the last node, and make it' next to the new
Node, hence making the new node the last Node.
int LinkedList :: addAtEnd(node *n) {
//If list is empty
if(head == NULL) {
//making the new Node as Head
head = n;
//making the next pointe of the new Node as Null
n->next = NULL;
}
else {
//getting the last node
node *n2 = getLastNode();
n2->next = n;
}
}
node* LinkedList :: getLastNode() {
//creating a pointer pointing to Head
node* ptr = head;
//Iterating over the list till the node whose Next pointer points to null
//Return that node, because that will be the last node.
while(ptr->next!=NULL) {
//if Next is not Null, take the pointer one step forward
31. ptr = ptr->next;
}
return ptr;
}
Searching for an Element in the List
In searhing we do not have to do much, we just need to traverse like we did while getting the last
node, in this case we will also compare the data of the Node. If we get the Node with the same
data, we will return it, otherwise we will make our pointer point the next Node, and so on.
node* LinkedList :: search(int x) {
node *ptr = head;
while(ptr != NULL && ptr->data != x) {
//until we reach the end or we find a Node with data x, we keep moving
ptr = ptr->next;
}
return ptr;
}
Deleting a Node from the List
Deleting a node can be done in many ways, like we first search the Node with data which we
want to delete and then we delete it. In our approach, we will define a method which will take
the data to be deleted as argument, will use the search method to locate it and will then remove
the Node from the List.
To remove any Node from the list, we need to do the following :
If the Node to be deleted is the first node, then simply set the Next pointer of the Head to
point to the next element from the Node to be deleted.
If the Node is in the middle somewhere, then find the Node before it, and make the Node
before it point to the Node next to it.
node* LinkedList :: deleteNode(int x) {
//searching the Node with data x
node *n = search(x);
node *ptr = head;
if(ptr == n) {
ptr->next = n->next;
return n;
}
else {
while(ptr->next != n) {
ptr = ptr->next;
}
ptr->next = n->next;
return n;
}
}
Checking whether the List is empty or not
We just need to check whether the Head of the List is NULL or not.
32. int LinkedList :: isEmpty() {
if(head == NULL) {
return 1;
}
else { return 0; }
}
Now you know a lot about how to handle List, how to traverse it, how to search an element. You
can yourself try to write new methods around the List.
If you are still figuring out, how to call all these methods, then below is how your main()
method will look like. As we have followed OOP standards, we will create the objects of
LinkedList class to initialize our List and then we will create objects of Node class whenever we
want to add any new node to the List.
int main() {
LinkedList L;
//We will ask value from user, read the value and add the value to our Node
int x;
cout << "Please enter an integer value : ";
cin >> x;
Node *n1;
//Creating a new node with data as x
n1 = new Node(x);
//Adding the node to the list
L.addAtFront(n1);
}
Similarly you can call any of the functions of the LinkedList class, add as many Nodes you want
to your List.
Circular Linked List
Circular Linked List is little more complicated linked data structure. In the circular linked list we
can insert elements anywhere in the list whereas in the array we cannot insert element anywhere
in the list because it is in the contiguous memory. In the circular linked list the previous element
stores the address of the next element and the last element stores the address of the starting
element. The elements points to each other in a circular way which forms a circular chain. The
circular linked list has a dynamic size which means the memory can be allocated when it is
required.
Application of Circular Linked List
The real life applicationwhere the circularlinkedlistisusedisourPersonal Computers,where
multiple applicationsare running.All the runningapplications are keptina circularlinkedlist
33. and the OS givesafixedtime slottoall forrunning.The OperatingSystemkeepsoniterating
overthe linkedlistuntil all the applicationsare completed.
Anotherexamplecanbe Multiplayergames.All the Playersare keptinaCircularLinkedListand
the pointerkeepsonmovingforwardasa player'schance ends.
CircularLinkedListcan alsobe usedtocreate CircularQueue.Ina Queue we have tokeeptwo
pointers,FRONTandREAR inmemoryall the time,where asinCircularLinkedList,onlyone
pointerisrequired.
ImplementingCircularLinkedList
Implementing a circular linked list is very easy and almost similar to linear linked list
implementation, with the only difference being that, in circular linked list the last Node will have
it's next point to the Head of the List. In Linear linked list the last Node simply holds NULL in
it's next pointer.
So this will be oue Node class, as we have already studied in the lesson, it will be used to form
the List.
class Node {
public:
int data;
//pointer to the next node
node* next;
node() {
data = 0;
next = NULL;
}
node(int x) {
data = x;
next = NULL;
}
}
Circular Linked List
Circular Linked List class will be almost same as the Linked List class that we studied in the
previous lesson, with a few difference in the implementation of class methods.
class CircularLinkedList {
public:
node *head;
//declaring the functions
//function to add Node at front
int addAtFront(node *n);
//function to check whether Linked list is empty
int isEmpty();
//function to add Node at the End of list
int addAtEnd(node *n);
//function to search a value
node* search(int k);
//function to delete any Node
node* deleteNode(int x);
34. CircularLinkedList() {
head = NULL;
}
}
Insertion at the Beginning
Steps to insert a Node at beginning :
1. The firstNode isthe Headfor anyLinkedList.
2. Whena newLinkedListisinstantiated,itjusthasthe Head,whichisNull.
3. Else,the Headholdsthe pointertothe fisrtNode of the List.
4. Whenwe want to addany Node at the front,we must make the headpointto it.
5. Andthe Nextpointerof the newlyaddedNode,mustpointtothe previousHead,whetheritbe
NULL(incase of newList) or the pointerto the firstNode of the List.
6. The previousHeadNode isnowthe secondNode of LinkedList,because the new Node isadded
at the front.
int CircularLinkedList :: addAtFront(node *n) {
int i = 0;
/* If the list is empty */
if(head == NULL) {
n->next = head;
//making the new Node as Head
head = n;
i++;
}
else {
n->next = head;
//get the Last Node and make its next point to new Node
Node* last = getLastNode();
last->next = n;
//also make the head point to the new first Node
head = n;
i++;
}
//returning the position where Node is added
return i;
}
Insertion at the End
Steps to insert a Node at the end :
1. If the LinkedListisemptythenwe simply,addthe new Node asthe Headof the LinkedList.
2. If the LinkedListisnot emptythenwe findthe lastnode,andmake it' nexttothe new Node,
and make the nextof the NewlyaddedNode pointtothe Headof the List.
int CircularLinkedList :: addAtEnd(node *n) {
//If list is empty
if(head == NULL) {
//making the new Node as Head
head = n;
//making the next pointer of the new Node as Null
n->next = NULL;
}
else {
//getting the last node
35. node *last = getLastNode();
last->next = n;
//making the next pointer of new node point to head
n->next = head;
}
}
Searching for an Element in the List
In searhing we do not have to do much, we just need to traverse like we did while getting the last
node, in this case we will also compare the data of the Node. If we get the Node with the same
data, we will return it, otherwise we will make our pointer point the next Node, and so on.
node* CircularLinkedList :: search(int x) {
node *ptr = head;
while(ptr != NULL && ptr->data != x) {
//until we reach the end or we find a Node with data x, we keep moving
ptr = ptr->next;
}
return ptr;
}
Deleting a Node from the List
Deleting a node can be done in many ways, like we first search the Node with data which we
want to delete and then we delete it. In our approach, we will define a method which will take
the data to be deleted as argument, will use the search method to locate it and will then remove
the Node from the List.
To remove any Node from the list, we need to do the following :
If the Node tobe deletedisthe firstnode,thensimplysetthe Nextpointerof the Headto point
to the nextelementfromthe Node tobe deleted.Andupdate the nextpointerof the Last Node
as well.
If the Node isinthe middle somewhere,thenfindthe Node before it, andmake the Node
before itpointtothe Node nexttoit.
If the Node isat the end,thenremove itandmake the new lastnode pointtothe head.
node* CircularLinkedList :: deleteNode(int x) {
//searching the Node with data x
node *n = search(x);
node *ptr = head;
if(ptr == NULL) {
cout << "List is empty";
return NULL;
}
else if(ptr == n) {
ptr->next = n->next;
return n;
}
else {
while(ptr->next != n) {
ptr = ptr->next;
}
ptr->next = n->next;
return n;
}
}
36. Program to implement Stack using Arrays:
#include<stdio.h>
#include<process.h>
#define MAXSIZE 10
void push();
int pop();
void traverse();
int stack[MAXSIZE];
int Top=-1;
int main()
{
int choice;
char ch;
do
{
printf("n1. PUSH ");
printf("n2. POP ");
printf("n3. TRAVERSE ");
printf("nEnter your choice ");
scanf("%d",&choice);
switch(choice)
{
case 1: push();
break;
case 2: printf("nThe deleted element is %d ",pop());
break;
case 3: traverse();
break;
default: printf("nYou Entered Wrong Choice");
}
printf("nDo You Wish To Continue (Y/N)");
fflush(stdin);
scanf("%c",&ch);
}
while(ch=='Y' || ch=='y');
return 0;
}
void push()
{
int item;
if(Top == MAXSIZE - 1)
{
printf("nThe Stack Is Full");
exit(0);
}
else
{
printf("Enter the element to be inserted ");
scanf("%d",&item);
Top= Top+1;
stack[Top] = item;
}
}
int pop()
{
int item;
if(Top == -1)
{
printf("The stack is Empty");
37. exit(0);
}
else
{
item = stack[Top];
Top = Top-1;
}
return(item);
}
void traverse()
{
int i;
if(Top == -1)
{
printf("The Stack is Empty");
exit(0);
}
else
{
for(i=Top;i>=0;i--)
{
printf("Traverse the element ");
printf("%dn",stack[i]);
}
}
}